Duration:                                          4 years

Actual Credit Load:                          540

Minimum Credit Load:                     480

Maximum Credit Load:                     540

MBKS Credit Load:                          384

ZNQF Level:                                    8

1.0. PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME

This program is designed to provide students with knowledge and understanding of Sociological and Social Policy concepts to the study of contemporary society. It aims to equip students with the analytic concepts and methods to research the social world. The degree aims to produce skilled graduates who are innovative and have a sophisticated understanding of past and present societies and cultures. The program is designed to provide an understanding of how social policies are formulated in Zimbabwe, in the Global South, and in the rest of the world. Students are given an opportunity to explore key aspects of society whilst learning the theoretical models and methodological frameworks used to analyse social institutions, structures interactions and processes. Students are inculcated with problem-solving skills that are in line with improving societies’ well-being and the industrialisation agenda.

2.0. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Normal Entry

 At least five (5) ‘O’ levels/ National Foundation Certificates including English Language and Mathematics with Grade C or better and at least two (2) Advanced level passes in Arts, Humanities or Commercials OR Relevant National Certificate.

Special Entry

A candidate who does not meet normal entry requirements may be admitted into a programme provided the candidate has a qualification in line with the Zimbabwe National Qualification Framework (ZNQF).

Mature Entry

Mature entry shall be obtained by applicants who have five (5) ‘O’ levels including English Language and have demonstrable work experience during the last five years before the academic year in which admission is sought and are aged 25 years and above.

3.0. PROGRAMME CHARACTERISTICS

Areas of Study

Sociology and Social Policy tries to address questions in four areas as follows:

 Development and Globalisation

Sociology and Social Policy focuses on the development challenges emanating from the failure of development models and the challenges presented by globalization in the contemporary world such as inequalities, gender inequities, poverty and climate change.

Policy Formulation

Sociology and Social Policy aim to solve social problems that affect societies. Social problems are tackled through the provision of welfare within societies. The aim of social policy is to interrogate the provision and efficacy of social services that are meant to benefit societies.

Theoretical Constructs

Sociology examines theoretical constructs and concepts that analyse societies from a historical and contemporary perspective and deepen understanding of individual and collective subjectivities. Social Policy examines the theoretical underpinnings of welfare and state provision of social services and how they shape societies.                                    

Research Methods

Sociology and Social Policy aims to orient students with research skills that can be compatible with various fields of specialization. The methods include quantitative methods, qualitative methods, and mixed research methods. Research skills acquired from Sociology and Social Policy respond to the needs of society, particularly development and industrialization.       

Specialist Focus:      Sociology, Social Policy, Welfare, Gender, Research and Development

Orientation:            Research and innovation oriented. Teaching and learning focus on equipping students with theoretical concepts and methodological approaches to assist students in analysing and solving problems in their social world.

Distinctive Features:   The programme builds the research-technology-innovation continuum and focuses on knowledge development and application using a student-centred approach.

Employability:        Careers in: Opportunities exist in the private and public sectors in government, social welfare and humanitarian aid provision, policy development and analysis, the criminal justice system and policing institutions, marketing, tourism, social research, media, development work, Non and Inter-Governmental Organisations, youth work, health services management, monitoring and evaluation, housing management and human resource management.

Further Studies:      Masters’ and doctoral studies in Sociology and Anthropology, Social and Public Policy, Public Health, Development Studies, Migration and Population Studies.

 

  MODULE SYNOPSES

SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology

In this module, students gain a theoretical foundation for understanding social issues. The module begins with a discussion of the theoretical origins of Sociology, its key concepts, similarities and differences with other social science subjects. Students are expected to acquire critical, analytical and practical skills that will also serve them in other social science modules as well. Students are introduced to some critical evaluation of discourse on the nature, antecedents and trends in sociological theorising.

SOSP 108 Introduction to Social Anthropology

The module explores conceptual and developmental issues in social anthropology. It starts by exploring the conceptual issues relating to the emergence of social anthropology. It addresses topics such as ideology, politics, production and economic systems, law and order, and leadership in traditional and modern states. The module probes the opportunities and challenges that culture poses for African and other developing economies. Particular attention is paid to comparative and holistic perspectives. Ethnocentrism and cultural relativism are looked at in the light of globalisation. The module remains true to anthropology through numerous case studies and various methods of investigation employed in this discipline. Ultimately, the module appraises the role played by anthropology in augmenting sociology in order to holistically address the broader social, economic and political conundrums of contemporary society.

SOSP140 Social Institutions

This module develops learners’ sense of themselves as part of society. It uses a sociological approach, which encourages learners to ask questions about the social world in which we live and to use evidence to support explanations for human social behaviour. The module equips learners with knowledge and understanding of the sociological perspectives, theories and concepts used to investigate and explain aspects of the social world. The module offers opportunities for learners to actively investigate human society, and social institutions such as the family, education and religion.

SOSP 102 Introduction to Social Policy and Administration

The module introduces students to the fundamental concepts of Social Policy and Administration. This module provides students with an understanding of the contemporary debates and issues in the field of social policy and administration, with special reference to the African context. It highlights theoretical as well as technical concerns in the process of public policy analysis and formulation. The module encourages students to understand policy within the broad arena of governance and emerging democratic practice in chosen African countries. The impact of globalization on policy processes and outcomes are also analysed.

PPM131 Introduction to Political Theory

The module explores the discipline of Political Science as a science in Social Studies with a focus on the study of processes, principles and structures of governments and political institutions. The module introduces students to fundamental ideas of political thought and the study of politics. Students will be acquainted with key classical and contemporary political texts. Emphasis will be given to key political thinkers such as Plato, Socrates, Aristotle, Saint Thomas Aquinas, Confucius, John Locke, Rousseau, Karl Marx, Charles Mills, Franz Fanon, Niccolo Machiavelli, Thomas Hobbes and John Stuart Mill among others. The module aims to familiarise students with the organisation and structure of political entities. The key objective of the module is to develop critical reading and analytical skills. By the end of the module, students will be able to develop concise arguments coupled with enhanced analytical skills.  

SOSP 106 Social Policy-Making Processes

The module provides students with an understanding of the policy-making process and the stakeholders involved and their immediate influence. It introduces some models and frameworks that shape the social policy-making process. The module enables the understanding of factors that are relevant to understanding policy success and failure. Again, the module encourages the understanding of the notion of policy transfer and enables to assessment of the extent to which transfer has taken place in specific cases. The module helps to comprehend the issues involved in researching and studying the policy process.

SOSP105 Social Problems

The module comparatively examines the linkages among social structures, culture and human experiences in the context of globalisation processes. Students examine a variety of topics which may include: the unequal distribution of power and wealth; issues of sex, sexuality, gender, race, ethnicity and social class; hunger; the role of multinational corporations; war and international conflict; oppression of various kinds; crime; poverty; the media; other social institutions; resource/environmental use and depletion and population.

CS131 Basic Communication Skills

The module focuses on academic and business communication skills. Firstly, this module imparts, writing, reading, speaking, and listening skills that make learning more effective and enjoyable. Secondly, students are taught skills that they can use even beyond the academic context which are report writing and curriculum vitae (CV) writing. In this module, students are taught and encouraged to incorporate source materials (academic referencing) into their writing, according to the standard academic conventions recommended in their departments. Thus, the skills imparted in the module are not only for academic purposes although that is the primary focus but for life after University as well. In addition, the module enables students to argue and clearly express written and oral assignments, to carry out appropriate research and to be able to interpret research.

HCS135 Introduction to Information Technology

This module aims to introduce the fundamentals of Information Technology to students, covering basic computer concepts in hardware and software. Students will also learn about the basics of computer networks, the internet, and the World Wide Web, as well as an introduction to computer security. Furthermore, students will learn how to work with MS Word, MS Access, MS Excel, and PowerPoint presentations. They will also be exposed to the fundamentals of information literacy skills, covering the organisation of information, information access tools, reference sources and electronic journals and databases.

SOSP 201 Qualitative Research Methods

The course exposes students to the qualitative research paradigm. It discusses salient issues of practicality, ethics and politics in the research process. The course also delivers transferrable skills including critical reflections, the ability to interpret qualitative data and the ability to present ideas coherently. Included in this course is a wide range of qualitative research and data collection methodologies, which are currently used in development research and practice. Teaching methods will include group work, exercises as well as lectures and discussions.

SOSP 202 Social Welfare Policy and Practices

This module introduces students to the concept of Social Welfare Policy and related practices. The aim of the module is to equip students with an understanding of key issues in welfare such as healthcare, empowerment, housing, education, and social protection. Specifically, the module enables students to understand how social welfare policies are used as instruments for promoting and safeguarding (social) well-being. The students are introduced to bridging the gap between theory and practice in the field of Social Welfare Policy.

SOSP 203 Different Ability Studies (Critical Perspectives)

The interdisciplinary course in Different Ability Studies previously conceptualized as “Disability Studies” seeks to sensitize students and raise awareness of the challenges faced by Differently Abled persons in Society. The course provides an overview of the purposeful, unequal treatment experienced by people with disabilities in Zimbabwe. The course will investigate issues to do with social justice, different cultural perspectives on disability, and differences in the conception of embodiment. The course explores the concept of disability in health, educational, economic, and legal systems, as well as the perspectives of people with disabilities themselves. The course critically examines factors that support systemic oppression and methods and strategies for moving toward a more inclusive society. Sustainable Development Goals and policies that seek to improve the welfare of people with different abilities will be discussed in the course.

SOSP 207 Contemporary Social Theory

The module creates an appreciation of the centrality of social theory in sociology and the analysis of social phenomena. Students develop an ability to apply sociological theories in the analysis of everyday phenomena. The module builds up from the previous social theory module and is meant to give students an in-depth understanding of contemporary theories and developments in the arena of social theory.

SOSP 206 Quantitative Research Methods

The module lays the basis for the development of competencies in quantitative research methods and statistics. Students will be oriented with epistemological and ontological philosophies of quantitative research. Emphasis is placed on the theoretical framework of quantitative research methodology, and the acquisition of statistical concepts. The students are introduced to the application of descriptive statistics and inferential statistics in social research. Emphasis will also be given to quantitative research methods and how they are applied. Students will be acquainted with the practical research processes from research design to data analysis.

SOSP 208 Sociology of Organisations

The module acquaints students with sociological issues of organizations. It intends to encourage students to apply sociological theories and to critically analyse organizations in their different cultural environments. Students are introduced to the major works on different views of organisations particularly classical and contemporary organisational theory and understanding organisational structure and design. The module will cover the substantive areas such as: objectives and functions of organisations; organisational dynamics, organisational culture; change and organisations; power, politics and organisations; and leadership and organisations. The module will critically analyse the impacts of globalisation on organisations. 

GSSS231 Gender Studies for Social Sciences

This module is an introductory module focused on giving students a broad understanding of the discipline of Gender Studies, its subject matter, key issues and concepts. It is designed to help students develop a critical understanding of basic gender issues as well as prepare them to be agents of change, particularly in Southern Africa and Zimbabwe. In so doing GSSS 201 adopts an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach that takes as its subject matter all aspects of the human experience in a gendered world, viewing gender as a field of study, analytical tool and a social phenomenon structuring the social world itself.

SOSP213 Crime and Deviance

The module explores contemporary sociological debates on crime, juvenile delinquency, deviance, conformity and social control. It also addresses the key issues and relationships between society, crime, deviance and the governmental and judicial responses to them.

SOSP216 Social Movements

This module addresses issues about collective protests, movements, dissidents etc. Students shall be equipped with sociological theories on the emergence and trajectories of social movements as well as understanding the similarities and differences between historical and modern social movements. Case studies of global, regional and national social movements by the working class, civil rights activism, nationalism, feminism, environmentalism, poor peoples’ movements and urban riots shall be used.

SOSP210 Classical Social Theory

The module appraises students on the significance of the main theoretical and epistemological underpinnings in the discipline. It reviews classical sociological theory. It also creates a practical application of social theory as students are set to acquire skills to enable them to have a critical approach to social phenomena in real life. This module traces the development of sociological thought from the Enlightenment era. It introduces students to the theoretical and epistemological thought of the founding figures of sociology. The module acquaints students with the application of sociological theory to contemporary issues.

SOSP 214 Sociology of Development

The module gives students an understanding of emerging sociological debates in Development. Students are exposed to a critical analysis of debates surrounding development in both Western and non-Western societies at both the macro and micro levels. The module also assesses macro and micro-scale development processes from a sociocultural perspective. It introduces students to the main debates, theories, and processes of development. The module considers dynamics associated with development practice. The major areas of the module include conceptualising development; theories of development; globalisation and modernity; politics of development; gender and development; and environment and development. The module emphasises the practical application of development models.

SOSP215 Sociology of Medicine and Healthcare                   

This module provides an introduction to the ways in which the medical profession and medical technology are embedded in society and culture. It examines how medicine is connected to various socio-cultural factors such as gender, social class, race and administrative culture. It examines processes of medicalization and de-medicalization. The module also explores alternative medical practices and how they differ from conventional medical paradigms.

SOSP246 Sociology of Sport

This module examines sport in modern societies with close attention paid to the distinctive features of sport in Zimbabwe. The aim of this module is to understand the socio-cultural patterns in the organisation, participation, and mediation of sport and sporting practices and to familiarise students with their respective implications. It examines the relationship between sport and the economic, political and educational institutions. Contemporary issues, including racial and gender inequality, violence, drugs/doping and sport media shall also be considered.

 ENT205 Entrepreneurship 1

The module seeks to introduce the concept of entrepreneurship and the related processes. The module will explore different types of entrepreneurial endeavours in different contexts. Students will examine different challenges and opportunities that characterise entrepreneurship. This module will look at business development, barriers encountered and issues related to marketing, human resources management, pricing, government policies, and taxation of businesses. Case studies, visits to business premises and presentations by entrepreneurs will be used to understand the running of businesses. The preparation of business plans will also be covered. 

SOSP330 Work-Related Learning Placement Report

The students will submit a comprehensive work placement report which shows their understanding of the organisation placed.

SOSP331 Work-Related Learning Report

As part of the examination, the students will be required to submit a comprehensive academic report of their work-related learning experience to the department and it will be marked and awarded a mark that will be ratified by the departmental examinations board.

SOSP332 Work-Related Academic Supervisor’s Report

As part of the examination, the students will be assessed and awarded a mark by the academic supervisor and this will be presented to the departmental examinations board for processing of final marks.

SOSP333 Work-Related Learning Supervisor’s Report

The employer will assess the student and award a mark which will be presented to the departmental

examinations board for processing of final marks.

SOSP 401 Race, Class and Identities

The module provides a unique perspective to understanding how groups of people from different races, classes, ethnic groups or other cultures interact. It focuses on cultural diversity and various dimensions of discrimination and prejudice, including an analysis of inequality and its origins, conditions under which inequality occurs and persists, changing inequality, and ways to deal with minority group problems in social institutions including education, employment, housing, migration and policing and the impact of anti-discrimination legislation.

SOSP 406 Dissertation

This is a double module and students are expected to carry out research putting into practice methodological issues that they were taught in the various research modules. The idea is to enable students to understand and provide practical solutions to social problems bedevilling society at any given time.

SOSP 408 Social Gerontology: Ageing and Society

The module focuses on ageing with emphasis on demographic trends, individual aspects of ageing such as family and social support networks, retirement and adaptation to ageing. Particular emphasis is given to issues surrounding ageing and society including the economy, politics, health and social services and public policy i.e. both nationally and at the local level. Specific African case studies shall be utilised.

SOSP410 Project Planning, Management, Monitoring and Evaluation

The module introduces students to the concepts, procedures, tools and techniques of project planning, management, monitoring and evaluation. It familiarises students with key principles and practices in the management, monitoring and evaluation of humanitarian and development projects and equips students with financial and project management skills appropriate for entry-level employment in a development agency. It describes the management approaches of key players in the development process; the donors, implementing agencies and recipients.

INDSO413 Economy, Society and Governance

The module provides students with an understanding of how the three are linked to each other. The main aim is to look at how the economy affects society and how it is governed and vice-versa. Students are exposed to examples from African as well as non-African societies at both the macro and micro levels. The module explores how the three affect social life in different ways.

SOSP 414 Sociology of the Environment

This is a development module that mainly focuses on people and the environment. It aims to expose students to various aspects of development with a view to offer an in-depth understanding of sustainable development and livelihoods. Through this module, students develop an appreciation of the need to conserve locally available natural resources through a variety of strategies. Students are expected to use theoretical frameworks in making informed arguments on the dialectal relationship between people and the environment.

SOSP 415 Policy Analysis

This module introduces students to the traditions, principles and methods of social policy analysis. Taking as its starting point the concept of Welfare States, it addresses both the concepts and contexts of policymaking as a contested process of moral, pragmatic and/or evidence-based decision-making. The module orients students to problem-solving methods that assess the efficacy of welfare and new and old societies in societies paying particular attention to the context of Zimbabwe. The module accesses the role of different policy actors, policy orientations, policy designs and implementation in the provision of welfare.

SOSP 418 Rural and Urban Development

This module provides students with an in-depth knowledge of contemporary issues related to Rural and Urban Development.  Students will be introduced to key conceptual concepts in rural and urban development. Specifically, students will be introduced to theories and development issues such as climate change, livelihoods, housing, education, health, and social security. Furthermore, it aims at developing the students’ critical thinking abilities through exposure to a variety of developmental issues.

SOSP 407 Global Social Policy

The module aims to introduce social policy at a global level and how it impacts local policy. Specifically, the module critically examines the role of global organisations such as the United Nations (UN), World Trade Organisation (WTO), and regional organisations like the African Union (AU) in social policy. The module seeks to understand how global social problems are resolved simultaneously at global and local levels. These social problems include pandemics, poverty and inequalities, migration crisis, climate change, and conflict. The module will also acquaint students with the impacts of international treaties and agreements like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) and New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) on social policy. Again, the module aims to explore how various actors at a global level effectively respond to social problems through various strategies.